®Education + Communication = A Better Nation

Volume 2, Issue 6 April 2018

FREE

Covering the Buena Park School District

Spanish & Korean Language Edition Available at: www.BPSD.k12.ca.us

www.SchoolNewsRollCall.com

Through the eyes of Our Students

Barbara Michel

Member

Samuel Van Hamblen

President

Tharwa AhmadMember

Irene Castaneda

Clerk President Pro Tem

Rochelle Smith

Member

Board of Education

We are pleased to share this third edition of the 2017–2018 Buena Park School District School News Roll Call. Through School News Roll Call and other communications, we continuously seek to keep our community members informed of our schools’ activities and the accomplishments of our students and staff.

In this edition of School News Roll Call, we look through the eyes of our students to tell us their experiences with our programs and staff. As you review the following pages,

you will read many quotes from our students. You should also look for the articles that were written by students! We, of course, not only like to highlight the programs and accomplishments of our students, but, as you will read, we are pleased that they are enjoying both their academic work and their school experiences.

There is much concern about school safety today. We are honored to have all seven of our schools recognized by the California Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for implementing proven practices supporting positive school campuses. We also enjoy a close and supportive partnership with the Buena Park Police Department and continuing support from the Measure B program. All of these partnerships are foundational for safe and secure campuses for our students. Additional information on our campus security may be found within this publication and on our district Web site.

Moreover, our progress to address the needs of students for college and career readiness and a technology dependent future continues to be robust. Our “future-ready” modernizations have been completed at five of our seven campuses, and we are on schedule to begin work on another 60 classrooms this summer at Beatty and Corey Schools. With the completion of these last two schools as we begin the 2018–2019 school year, all permanent classrooms in each of our seven BPSD schools will have been fully modernized. We are proud that BPSD classrooms are teaching and learning environments that are second to none.

In this and following editions of Buena Park School District School News Roll Call, we will continue to tell the stories of our students, staff and school progress. I invite you to read this publication, visit your neighborhood school, and become engaged with the work we so proudly perform across the Buena Park School District (BPSD).

From all of us at BPSD, we are honored to serve the families of our school district and to share the achievements of our students and schools. We thank you for your support of our schools and students. Please follow our daily activities, provide comments, and access information at: www.Facebook.com/BuenaParkSchoolDistrict, on our Web site at www.bpsd.k12.ca.us, and on Twitter at BPSDNews.

Greg MagnusonSuperintendent

Through the Eyes of Our StudentsFrom the District

Far too often our daily news feed includes stories of violence in our nation’s schools. At BPSD our staff are caretakers of our community’s children with a long-standing commitment to protect and ensure their safety. Educating students in a safe and secure environment is, and will always, be our first priority.

We are pleased to share not only our commitment to the safety of our students and staff, but how this is reflected in resources and key practices that are part of our comprehensive approach to campus security including:

• Annually updated District and school safety plans and procedures;• Regularly scheduled safety drills with emergency lock down and shelter strategies, fire and earthquake procedures;• Intruder alarms at several work stations on each campus;• Recently installed campus video cameras, upgraded emergency communications systems and other security supports from our Measure ‘B’ modernization program;• A close partnership with the Buena Park Police Department to provide School Resource Officers, security and other day-to-day support for our schools; and• A Crisis Response Team that is available for immediate deployment.School safety is not something any of us can do

alone. The partnership we have with families, local law enforcement and social services is critical. We encourage parents to keep your student’s school records updated. We fully support students, staff, parents and guardians to be empowered to report any unusual or suspicious activities in our community. Reminding our students to take drills, teacher and administrator instructions seriously, and most importantly, if they see something, to say something are all important practices, and our best deterrent to potentially harmful situations.

We invite all community members to visit: https://www.bpsd.k12.ca.us and click the “Safety” link, or contact your neighborhood school principal, to review school safety plans and be informed on this important topic.

Safe School Communities

April 2018 3Covering the Buena Park School DiStrict

Education + Communication = A Better Nation

www.schoolnewsrollcall.comCovering the

BUENA PARK SCHOOL DISTRICTFOUNDER/PUBLISHER: Kay Coop562/493-3193 • kay@schoolnewsrollcall.comADVERTISING SALES: Pardise Amirshahi 949-733-1855 • Fax: 562/430-8063CONTENT COORDINATOR: Barbra LonginyGRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION: Charlene ErbCOPY EDITORS:

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SCHOOL NEWS ROLL CALL, LLCP.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740562/493-3193

Copyright © 2006, School News Roll Call, LLC Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest columnists are their views and not necessarily those of School News Roll Call. This publication is privately owned and the right is reserved to select and edit content. The Buena Park School District does not endorse the advertisers in this publication.

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Superintendent Magnuson chose an interesting topic for this issue - Through the Eyes of Our Students.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. By the time you read this, Spring Break will be over and students will be testing and focused on their academic goals.

This is our last issue for this school year. We’ll begin again with our September issue in time to welcome a new school year. Thank you for continung to include School News among your reading choices. I enjoy your comments when you email your answers to our word search contests.

Have a fun summer!

Neta MadisonNetragrednik

Kay CoopFounder/Publisher

4 www.schoolnewsrollcAll.com

Leading by ExampleThere are many

individuals at Gordon H. Beatty Elementary School who contribute their time and talent to make our school community thrive. From student leaders and supportive parents to our dedicated teachers and

staff, we are grateful for our Beatty family every day.

One person, Mrs. Kirstin Kim, has touched many different components of our school, and she does so with quiet resolve and kindness. We want to take this opportunity to highlight and celebrate her endeavors.

Mrs. Kim takes on many roles at our school and is an asset to every team or committee to which she belongs. She is a member of the Beatty Leadership Team, the Capacity Building Council, and our Beatty Home School Organization (HSO), and she is an advisor to our student council. Working in all of these areas gives Mrs. Kim a unique perspective, which is very helpful when we are developing activities and events to engage students. When working with colleagues, families, and students, Mrs. Kim is creative in offering input and building on the strengths of others to ensure better solutions.

Mr. McDonald reported, “Mrs. Kim is my hero! I could never enumerate all the ways that she helps me get through the day.” Mrs. Barnes, our HSO president, said, “Mrs. Kim gives valuable input at every HSO meeting to represent Beatty teachers. The HSO appreciates her knowledge and dedication to our school community.”

Mrs. Kim is an authentic person who is dedicated to building positive culture. Her effort as our student council advisor is ever present in her daily activities, and she always visits evening school events to show her Beatty pride. She often

gives of her own time to be sure our student leaders have opportunities to serve.

Student council president Mackenzie Mauldin and David Juarez-Garcia shared, “Mrs. Kim has given us an opportunity to represent Beatty School and has put in a lot of effort to make sure we reach our full potential.”

Student Josephine Carroll said it best: “She is the nicest teacher I’ve ever had!” Beatty would be a different place without Mrs. Kirstin Kim. She is a trusted teacher, colleague, and leader. We’re so happy to share her with you!

Seri HwangPrincipal

Gordon H. Beatty (K—6)8201 Country Club Dr., Buena Park, CA 90621 • 714/523-1160

One word in the list is NOT in the word search.When you have completed the word search, one word will be left and that word you email to:

Kay@schoolnewsrollcall.com Please put Buena Park in the subject line.

Rules!

Entries must be received by May 30, 2018From the correct entries one name will be drawn

to win a GAZUMP card/dice game - fun for all ages!

Congratulations to Kathleen AsheWinner of our November Word Search Contest!

Day at the Beach —Word Search Contest

SUN BLOCKTOWELSSWIM SUITSUNGLASSESUMBRELLAHATFLIP FLOPSPAILSHOVELBLANKETBOOK

SURF BOARDFLOATSHIRTSANDWICHES SHORTS CHAP STICKFIRST AID KITCOOLERDRINKSSNACKS

April 2018 5Covering the Buena Park School DiStrict

Our Fabulous TeachersBy Briana Tran, Sixth-Grade, and Annela Mendoza, Sixth Grade

There are many staff members that make Corey an amazing school! Two of them are Mrs. Yoo and Ms. Mellano. These two teachers always model Corey Spirit because they value the Spirit

ideals of work, respect and belong. They have positively impacted many students’ lives.

Mrs. Yoo, our speech and language specialist, is always helpful and kind. She works with students in more than one grade level until they no longer need speech support. Many students say that Mrs. Yoo is so much fun to work with and is an excellent teacher. Jasmin Mendoza, a kindergarten student, says, “I like Mrs. Yoo because she helps us improve our speech and gives us awards and prizes when we do a good job.”

Another great teacher at Corey is Ms. Mellano, who is an educational specialist. She works with several grade levels and assists any students who need additional help. She is a great science teacher and shares fun stories that go right along with our lessons. We also love the labs she sets up.

One fifth-grade student said, “Ms. Mellano always talks to us in such a kind tone. When she works with students, she makes them feel like they can be successful.”

Both Mrs. Yoo and Ms. Mellano are always enthusiastic when they work with everyone at Corey. In addition to working with students in the classroom, they also work with students who are finalists in the district speech contest to help them improve their speeches before the contest. They also want to start a book club on campus for students.

We all really appreciate having both Mrs. Yoo and Ms. Mellano at Corey because they show Corey Spirit all of the time!

Valerie ConnollyPrincipal

Arthur F. Corey (K—6)7351 Holder St., Buena Park, CA 90620 • 714/522-8389

6 www.schoolnewsrollcAll.com

Inspiring StudentsThe Buena Park Junior High School

mission is to “Educate, Motivate, and Inspire” our students. We do that through great programs run by great teachers such as our award-winning speech and debate team. Seventh-grader Chloe Serrano, one of our successful debate students, summed up her experience in the program:

“Speech and Debate is a dynamic fusion of skills. I am in seventh grade, and I have been competing in the Orange County Debate League since fifth grade. Debate comes across issues that make an incredible impact on our everyday lives. In debate, we address these issues and try to develop a solution if there is a problem. We argue both sides to build an understanding of both opinions. For example, last year we debated the gender wage gap. The proposition side included statistics, the history of

years of sexism, and America’s strong belief in equality to strengthen their argument.”

“Buena Park Junior High’s speech and debate team is very successful, thanks to teachers like Mrs. Terhune and Ms. Gomez. Our debate teachers make us feel like a family. They are very nurturing, and they help us to know what we need to work on and what highlights will draw judges to score our team higher than our competition. When we compete in tournaments, our school usually takes home trophies for being in the top five out of 20 debate schools in the league. I personally contributed to our team’s triumph by winning individual speaker awards. Debate has inspired me to be more confident in public speaking, and it has inspired me to research and write more.”

It is obvious that our programs and teachers are inspiring our students on a daily basis. Chloe is just one example of the many students we are reaching through our award-winning programs.

Erik BaggerPrincipal

Buena Park Junior High (7—8)6931 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620 • 714/522-8491

April 2018 7Covering the Buena Park School DiStrict

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RoboticsInnovation, engagement, and creativity—

these are three of the important benefits robotics brings to the classroom. As we continue to address the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning, third-

graders at Charles G. Emery School are programming robots to move around obstacles, launch balls at targets, and play the xylophone. Not only does this hands-on learning require perseverance, it gives students the opportunity to gain familiarity with coding and use logical reasoning.

According to one third-grade programmer, Rian, robotics is both challenging and fun. “The challenging part was how to

get the robot to do what I wanted. It was fun because I got to code and see how the robot moved. I was able to learn from my mistakes. My partner and I used the accessories to launch a basketball and play a xylophone.”

Another third-grade student, Niveen, said, “The robots helped me cooperate with my friends. We learned how to control the robot and used tables as obstacles. I also figured

out how to make it talk. I feel very happy about using the robots. It helps you code and learn many new things.”

With the growing demand for STEM skills, our teachers have worked collaboratively to create fun and challenging learning experiences for their students. Thanks to the determination of Mrs. Ngo and Mrs. Cavenee, third-graders are enjoying learning these new skills. In our technology-driven world, it is crucial to bring these experiences to our students, who will potentially become future computer programmers, engineers, and scientists.

Julie LinneckePrincipal

Charles G. Emery (K—6)8600 Somerset St., Buena Park, CA 90621 • 714/521-5134

8 www.schoolnewsrollcAll.com

Teacher for the ArtsLynn Sipes has been teaching at our

school and in the district for 20 years. Mrs. Sipes not only creates opportunities for her students to reach their potential in the classroom but she also allocates time for students after school.

One of Mrs. Sipes’ passions has been the Pendleton’s Talent Showcase. This venue not only offers the thrills and excitement of

performing but also gives students time to engage with their peers beyond the classroom setting.

“I would like to be in the talent showcase next year!” one fifth-grade student said. I have already started to talk with two of my friends for the next show. I love to sing, and I want to show my love of singing, especially Bruno Mars’s songs.”

For several years, Mrs. Sipes has assisted in producing the annual school play, covering such topics as positive

social skills, antibullying, conflict resolution and character building. In coordination with key staff members, Mrs. Sipes holds auditions, arranges costumes, and creates props. She also assists students in memorizing parts. She was there during one critical moment in a student’s performance.

“She was there for me, especially during the opening part of my act when I forgot my lines,” the student said.

Another student commented on their continuing connection, saying that “she was my teacher in both third and fourth grade. It was fun to work with her on the play in sixth grade.”

The production of our Talent Showcase and the school play involve more than just student performances. Students are also behind the scenes in the areas of lighting, sound and scenery. A sixth-grade student discovered a love for being in the sound booth.

“I was able to work with the sound mixers,” the student said. “It was fun. I know that I would like to continue working with the sound mixers.

Richard Rodriguez

Principal

Mabel L. Pendleton (K—6)7101 Stanton Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621 • 714/521-8568

April 2018 9Covering the Buena Park School DiStrict

Window to Our School

As the new principal at Whitaker School this year, I visited each classroom and was amazed by the number of students

who had been here since kindergarten and first grade. The fact that there are so many of these students is a sign of a great school. Parents like Whitaker School, and the students like it here too. I wondered, “What do kids like about Whitaker?” I polled many students and found their responses both varied and interesting. Here are the most frequent student responses I heard.

• Esmeralda - “I like the new classrooms, love my teachers, and the hard problems they do in math.”• Carmen - “I like math and working together to help each other.”• Sonia - “I like the music that is played in the cafeteria while we are eating lunch.”

• Betzy - “I like that we read a lot and the JiJi parties.”

• Adam - “I like that we have different programs like Meet the Masters and iPads.”

• Ricardo - “I like the PE activities that we have at lunch time.”

• Alijah - “I like my teachers who teach me and how things help me develop a good brain. I like how I get so much knowledge to share with my parents.”

• Emiliano – “I like that we have good rules and good teachers that help us learn.”• Anthony – “I like the fit lab because it’s fun, the computer lab, and the announcements.”• Finally, Angel - “We have fun activities during and after school. That’s why Whitaker is so loved by a lot of people in the world.”There are many reasons why our students love their

school. The most responses were about their teachers. I am pleased that that students are really happy at Whitaker. I believe that one reason is that we are focused on our their needs.

Jose AlarconPrincipal

James A. Whitaker (K—6)8401 Montana Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621 • 714/521-9770

Honoring a Humble HuntThe students at

Gilbert School have a surprising hero. It is someone who might be overlooked in other places, but is recognized by our community for his huge heart towards

children. This employee goes above and beyond in service to our whole student body, and he does it all to make our campus as beautiful, positive, and happy as can be for our school-aged Grizzlies. Our students truly love their custodian, Mr. Bryant Hunt!

The children at recess hurry to see Mr. Hunt. He is always ready to pump up a handball, tie strong-knots when a tetherball comes loose, or hang a new net on the basketball court. They

know he loves to see them be active. As he assists with their recess needs, his smiling face makes every child feel

welcome. Some of our youngest students actually think he is the Santa Claus of the playground equipment, daily offering them the gift of play!

Other students look up to Mr. Hunt for the hard work he does to keep our campus clean. In fact, our students love to work alongside him as he sweeps and wipes down tables. Why would children want to do what seems like a chore? Perhaps it’s because of the compliments he provides them for a job well done, and for the listening ear he offers them as they share their lives working with this caring mentor.

Just look for the biggest smile on campus, bending down to help a child, and you’ll have found him. It is our amazing Mr. Hunt!

Russell HarrisonPrincipal

Carl E. Gilbert (K—6)7255 8th St., Buena Park, CA 90621 • 714/522-7281

10 www.schoolnewsrollcAll.com

Miles to Go Before I SleepThe Buena Park School District (BPSD)

Transportation Department quotes poet Robert Frost every day, because it has also has “miles to go before they sleep”! Daily, the Department operates 12 routes in a variety of vehicles ranging from 12-passenger units with wheelchair access to 84-passenger buses.

Each day over 1,000 BPSD students are transported to and from school; this equates

to approximately 800 miles per day, or 144,000 miles per year. In addition to the daily routes, our drivers also take BPSD students on various field trips throughout the year, including the sixth-grade science camp trips with over 500 students transported this year, and over 3,700 miles driven in various weather conditions.

The Department takes pride in the fact that over the past nine years, with over 1 million miles driven, only one chargeable accident occurred within the fleet. Every year the BPSD has also received the highest possible rating from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Safety Compliance Report/Terminal Inspection. The CHP is tasked with assessing the adequacy of the Transportation Department’s maintenance schedules in preventing collisions or mechanical breakdown, validating testing of the

Department staff, and monitoring compliance with respect to driver records, mandated certification, and testing.

This spring the Department will be adding a Child-Check-Mate system to every school bus. The system requires every driver, at the end of each route, to walk to the back of the bus to turn off an alarm while also checking to make sure that a student has not been left on board.

Phillip Zelaya, a driver since 2016, says, “The thing I love most about being a driver for the BPSD is the support and appreciation I receive from the entire team, all the way from the director, fellow drivers, teachers, parents, and students.”

Richard HolashAssistant

Superintendent

Administrative Services6885 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620 • 714/522-8412

April 2018 11Covering the Buena Park School DiStrict

Educational Services6885 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620 • 714/522-8412

Dr. Ramon Miramontes

Assistant Superintendent

Children Love Preschool!Here at the Buena Park

School District, educators have been sharing with the community about the quality of our early-learning programs. We were curious to see what the children enrolled in our preschool programs had to say about their learning environment.

One four-year-old said, “I like this school.” When asked what he enjoyed about school, he replied, “I get to play rocket ships!”

Even our youngest learners are engaged in STEM activities throughout their day at school. One boy was discovering how gravity works as he rolled cars down a long tube. He explained that the tube makes the cars go faster. The children feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms; this is evident because they enjoy sharing their personal experiences with staff and peers.

“I go to theater and eat popcorn and gummies,” one child said when he was asked about his family.

All the children are engaged in activities and one another, with language filling the rooms. Children can be found “reading” books in the library center. One boy exclaimed to another boy while looking at a reptile book, “Look at the crocodile! He’s spikey!”

Children are encouraged to express themselves while building vocabulary in multiple languages. While playing in the “Doctor’s Office,” one girl

said, “Medicine makes you feel better.” Dramatic-play opportunities allow the children to better understand the world around them and how they are a part of the environment.

There are a lot of great programs and learning happening in the Buena Park School District preschool programs. Students are practicing language, learning about science, working with one another, and sharing their life experience in a safe and supportive classroom environment. If you would like to register your child for our preschool programs, please call our office.

Adventures—Word Search ContestOne word in the list is NOT in the word search.

When you have completed the word search, one word will be left and that word you email to: Kay@schoolnewsrollcall.com Please put Buena Park in the subject line.

Rules!

Entries must be received by May 30, 2018From the correct entries one name will be drawn to win

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